BARBADOS' North and West Coasts could be in for a serious battering over the next day or two.

As such, beach-goers, surfers and swimmers are being urged to exercise extreme caution.

An advisory issued yesterday by Director of Meteorological Services Chester Layne said that "northerly swells generated by a low pressure system in the mid-Atlantic will affect the North and West Coasts during the next 12 to 24 hours and persist well into the middle of the week".

Ten to 15-foot breaking waves are expected to be generated by the swells along with "strong and dangerous rip currents".

"Surfers and swimmers are urged to stay out of the water until hazardous conditions subside.

"Beach-goers should be vigilant for large breaking waves surging onto the shore, as these waves can propel people into the sea. This action over the next few days has the potential to produce significant beach erosion . . . ," Layne said. (PR/DS)